SNAKE ENVENOMING IS AN ENDEMIC GLOBAL HEALTH CHALLENGE

Snake envenoming is an endemic global health challenge that disproportionately affects rural, low-resource populations, although snake rearing and petting are increasing worldwide. Snakebite envenoming causes various health outcomes, including acute complications, full recovery, chronic complications, and death. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes snakebite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease because of its substantial morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic impact. Current global estimates indicate 1.8–2.7 million envenomings and 80,000–140,000 deaths annually, with significant underreporting and regional heterogeneity concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and Latin America. This study sought to sensitize the public to the fact that snake envenoming is an endemic global health challenge. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were applied among 270+ publications (2019 2026) on snake envenoming linkages. The study identified five core domains: snakebite envenoming, cultural beliefs and practices, snakebite treatment, and strategies for mitigating public health problems. The findings highlight that snakebite envenoming challenges have been occurring, though the incidences may be rising despite the challenge of data collection and reporting. Study findings indicated that a considerable majority (89%) of individuals bitten by snakes sought treatment from traditional healers. In Kenya, the use of “black stone,” herbs, tourniquets, and charcoal in the management of snakebites is very common. Although antivenom is the gold standard of treatment, many health care barriers exist, and affected populations are often unable to access it. The lack of attention from national health authorities, poor regulatory systems and policies, and mismanagement of antivenom perpetuate the challenge. A roadmap strategy by the WHO on snakebites could lead to a 50% reduction in mortality and morbidity by 2030. The incidence and mortality rates highlighted highlight the global impact of snakebite and underscore the critical need to tackle the burden of snake envenoming